St. Paul Reporter

The Minnesota Legislature concluded its 2025 special session early Tuesday morning, marking the end of a legislative year that State Representative Ben Davis (R-Grand Rapids) described as "frustrating, historic, and all too revealing."

Davis highlighted that for the first 23 days of the session, half of the House was absent. The legislature required an additional 22 days to complete its work. He noted this delay came at a cost to Minnesotans and emphasized the importance of lawmakers being prepared from the start.

He criticized recent increases in state spending, stating: "In the last biennium, Democrats increased the state budget by nearly 40%, jumping from $52 billion to $72 billion. I opposed those increases then, and I still do now." Davis added that Republicans managed to reduce some spending this year—calling it "the largest budget reduction in state history"—but argued more reductions were needed.

A significant outcome of the session was ending taxpayer-funded healthcare for adult undocumented immigrants. According to Davis: "Beginning January 1, 2026, that program will be phased out. I would’ve preferred it take effect immediately, but this is still a major victory for fiscal responsibility." He responded to criticism by saying emergency care remains available and private insurance can still be purchased.

Davis also expressed disappointment over certain education policies passed during the session. He said: "Democrats and Governor Walz pushed through an education bill that adds $17 million to the Department of Education while simultaneously cutting more than $70 million from local schools." He voiced concern about missed opportunities for mandate relief and efforts to prevent biological males from competing in girls' sports—a measure he said failed by one vote.

Despite setbacks, Davis cited successes such as protecting nonpublic pupil aid for homeschool, religious, and charter school families. The legislature also adopted the "Science of Reading" as Minnesota’s new literacy standard.

Another focus was government accountability. Davis led a reform effort with House File 2—now law—which requires state agency employees to report suspected fraud promptly and provides stronger whistleblower protections. This follows high-profile cases like Feeding Our Future; according to Interim U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, losses may have reached "$500 million," higher than previous estimates.

Davis stated: "These same fraudsters were welcomed into the Attorney General’s office and even pledged campaign contributions. Attorney General Keith Ellison still hasn’t provided answers, and I intend to keep asking the tough questions."

As co-vice chair of the State Government Committee and member of both Elections and Government Operations Committees, Davis reiterated his commitment to addressing waste and restoring accountability in government.

He concluded by noting his plans to spend time in his district over summer and fall: "Your voice matters, and I always welcome your input."